Start our historical journey with Rijeka's most important monuments, which bear witness to the city's rich past.

The first point on our route is the impressive Trsat Castle, towering over the city. This medieval fortress, built on a hill 138 meters above sea level, offers not only a fascinating history, but also breathtaking views of Rijeka and the Gulf of Kvarner. The castle, originally built by Frankish princes, has been rebuilt and expanded several times over the centuries. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists, offering not only a lesson in history, but also relaxation surrounded by beautiful gardens. Admission to the castle grounds is free, a rarity these days.

To reach the castle hill, take advantage of a unique attraction - the Petr Kružić Steps. This historic staircase of 561 steps was built in 1531 and leads from the city center all the way to Trsat Castle. The climb can be demanding, especially on hot days, but the views along the way fully reward the effort. It's worth planning your ascent for late afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the city and the bay.

In the heart of the old city is another important monument - the City Clock Tower. This distinctive building is one of Rijeka's symbols and a popular meeting place for locals. The tower, which was originally part of the city's medieval fortifications, was rebuilt in the 18th century and gained its current Baroque appearance. Note the clock face, which, in addition to the hours, also shows the phases of the moon.

Not far from the clock tower is the remarkable Turkish House, a building that stands out for its oriental architecture against the background of Rijeka's European buildings. This unique house, built in the 19th century, used to house the consulates of Turkey and Greece. Although you can't currently visit the interior, the facade alone, with its colorful windows shaped like oriental arches and Arabic inscriptions, is worth seeing.

Each of these monuments has its own unique history and character. Trsat Castle offers panoramic views and free tours, but requires climbing. The Petr Kružić Staircase is a great option for active tourists, but can be a challenge for those with mobility problems. City Clock Tower and Turkish House are easily accessible in the city center, but do not offer interior tours. Regardless of your choice, any of these places will allow you to feel the spirit of Rijeka's history.

Rijeka is not only about historic buildings, but also fascinating museums and hidden underground attractions that allow you to learn more deeply about the city's history.

One of the most important places on Rijeka's historical map is the Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast. Housed in a beautiful governor's palace, this museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of the region, with a special focus on its maritime history. Visitors can enjoy a rich collection of exhibits, from ancient artifacts to modern ship models. Particularly interesting is the exhibition dedicated to the famous White Star shipping line, where the original capo from the Titanic can be seen. The museum is well organized, with interactive elements that may interest even the youngest visitors. An entrance ticket costs 4 euros, which is a reasonable price for such a rich exhibition. The only downside may be the lack of air conditioning on hot days.

For lovers of modern history and technology, a must-see is the PEEK&POKE Computer Museum. This museum, unique in Europe, presents the history of computers and information technology. Visitors can not only see, but also touch and use original computers and game consoles from different eras. The opportunity to play classic games such as Pac-Man or Super Mario Bros on the original devices is an amazing trip back in time for the older ones and a fascinating history lesson for the younger ones. An entrance ticket costs 7 euros, but considering the interactive nature of the museum, it is money well spent.

Rijeka also hides fascinating underground attractions. One of them is the Rijeka Tunnel, a system of underground passageways hollowed into the rock beneath the city. Originally used as an air raid shelter during World War II, it is now open to the public. Walking through the cool tunnel is not only an interesting history lesson, but also a great way to cool off on hot days. Admission to the tunnel is free, which is an added bonus.

Slightly outside the city center is the mysterious Žakalj Old Mill - an old mill hidden in the forest by the river. This place, although difficult to find, offers an unusual atmosphere and a sense of discovering a forgotten world. The ruins of the mill overgrown with lush vegetation create an amazing backdrop for photos. However, it is worth remembering that getting to the mill can be difficult, and the area is not developed for tourism.

Comparing these attractions, the Maritime and History Museum and the PEEK&POKE Computer Museum offer rich displays and are well set up for visitors, but require an admission fee. Rijeka Tunnel and Žakalj Old Mill are free, but offer fewer facilities and can be more difficult to visit. What all of these sites have in common, however, is that they provide a look at Rijeka's history from different perspectives - from antiquity to modern times.

Rijeka, as a city with a rich and varied history, offers visitors a fascinating combination of sacred and industrial heritage.

One of the most important religious sites in Rijeka is the Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This sanctuary, located on Trsat Hill, is not only an important religious site, but also a valuable architectural monument. The church, richly decorated inside, has several beautiful side altars, the main one of which is particularly impressive. Of note are the cloisters, which are of great architectural interest. The sanctuary also has special historical significance - it was the destination of Pope John Paul II's pilgrimage. Admission to the church is free, which allows for quiet sightseeing and contemplation. At the same time, due to its location on a hill, getting to the shrine can be a challenge for people with limited mobility.

Moving on to the city's industrial heritage, Rijeka City Museum - Sugar Refinery Palace should not be overlooked. Housed in a former sugar refinery palace, this museum tells the fascinating story of Rijeka's industrial past. The exhibition is modern and interactive, making the tour appealing to both adults and children. The museum presents the history of the city in a thoughtful way, guiding visitors through successive eras. Particularly interesting is the exhibition dedicated to the ship Galeb. A family ticket costs about 120 kuna (about 16 euros), which, considering the richness of the exhibit, is a reasonable price. It is worth noting that the museum is air-conditioned, which is a big plus on hot days.

Another interesting place, combining history with modernity, is Palača Ploech (Palace Ploech). This impressive palace, built by Annibali Ploech, an Austrian mechanic who got rich working at the Rijeka Torpedo Factory, is a testament to the city's industrial power in the 19th century. Although it is currently not fully open to the public, the building's façade itself is an impressive example of Central European Historicist architecture.

Comparing these attractions, the Church of Mary of God of Trsat offers free entry and an unusual atmosphere of spirituality, but may be difficult to access for some visitors. Rijeka City Museum - Sugar Refinery Palace requires an entrance fee, but offers a modern, interactive exhibition and a comfortable visiting environment. Palača Ploech, although not fully accessible to the public, is an important part of the city's landscape and a testament to its industrial past.

It is also worth mentioning other places that, although lesser known, also contribute to Rijeka's rich historical heritage. These include Arheološki park principij - the remains of Roman barracks, or Tarsatički principij - ancient ruins in the center of the city. These sites, although less developed in terms of tourist infrastructure, offer fascinating insights into Rijeka's ancient history.

All in all, Rijeka offers an unusual combination of sacred and industrial heritage that allows visitors to explore different aspects of the city's history. From medieval churches to 19th-century industrial palaces, each site tells a different part of the fascinating history of this Croatian port city.